The Red Eye of Azathoth: a Public Report

The first (of 5!) playtests is complete. Here’s what designer Tim Connors had to say (without spoilers!) on changes to the design introduced as a result of playtest feedback.

Added event-triggered flashbacks designed to encourage camaraderie between the otherwise opposed Viking and monk investigators.

Based pregens on Cthulhu Dark Ages to tweak/balance things like armor/weapons that don’t work as well with the gaslight era rules.

Adjusted the BBEGs armor and magical shielding, because the pre-gen Viking brute could really pummel him if reasonably lucky.

Restructuring the overall scenario to make it easier to read during play, including read-aloud text and streamlined handouts. I discovered very quickly that it was far easier to have all the handouts together, so I could hit Print once. And the read-aloud text helped carry a consistent mood.

Changed the island map to hide certain locations, which allowed me to make a handout of it.

Added an optional, harder ending requiring some sacrifice. I ran this version and it made the finale truly memorable.

Added an option to play in real time. I kicked this option into play about mid-adventure, and my players loved it.